After five months and seven books, my 11-year-old and I have finally finished our read-aloud of the Narnia books. I have to admit, this last book wasAfter five months and seven books, my 11-year-old and I have finally finished our read-aloud of the Narnia books. I have to admit, this last book was a bit of a letdown for both of us. Such an odd book. The first several chapters are just dismal, as the world of Narnia is torn apart by trickery and our hero-figure is quickly disarmed and disgraced. Things perk up a bit when familiar faces from our world arrive, but still, the entire plot is rather a downer. Finally, the end brings some happiness... but it's bittersweet in many ways, and was completely confusing to my son until I explained the religious subtext of it all (which I'd mostly managed to avoid up to this point, preferring to read the Narnia books as pure fantasy). I'd never read the Narnia books as a child, so I very much enjoyed this introduction to C. S. Lewis's incredibly imaginative world -- but I do think the series deserves a better ending....more

Onward, Narnia! My son and I just finished our 5th book in our Narnia read-aloud -- somewhat out of order, but that's okay. The Voyage of the Dawn TreOnward, Narnia! My son and I just finished our 5th book in our Narnia read-aloud -- somewhat out of order, but that's okay. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is another great chapter in the series, featuring brave King Caspian, the mouse Reepicheep, the two youngest Pevensies, Lucy and Edmund, and their obnoxious cousin Eustace.

The entire book takes place on board the Dawn Treader, a magnificent ship sailing the seas in search of adventure. Caspian sets out to explore the unknown eastern seas, hoping to find seven missing lords and discover what lies at the end of the known world. Joined by Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace, they visit strange islands, find mystery and enchantments, and have a few narrow escapes. Of all the Narnia books I've read so far, this one feels most like a classic adventure tale, as each chapter focuses on a new island, a new discovery, or the next challenge on the journey.

I must say that the ending felt a little too over-the-top in terms of heavy-handed religious symbolism, which I've mostly been ignoring throughout the series. By the end, although nothing much is happening, the ship and its crew seems to be approaching God and heaven, and it was hard to keep pretending that I was "just" reading a fantasy story about a magical lion.

Still, the ending aside, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was quite entertaining and great fun, and both my son and I really enjoyed it. ...more

The great Narnia reading project continues! My son and I just finished The Horse and His Boy as a read-aloud, and loved it. This is our 4th Narnia booThe great Narnia reading project continues! My son and I just finished The Horse and His Boy as a read-aloud, and loved it. This is our 4th Narnia book (we've been going a little out of order, but it doesn't seem to matter much). The Horse and His Boy introduces new characters and new settings, and feels like a real adventure, with daring escapes across the desert, armies and sieges, twins separated at birth... plus two talking horses of Narnia (the memorable Hwin and Bree) and several key appearances by Aslan himself. This may actually be our favorite so far. Can't wait to read the remaining three books!...more

The story of a man on an impossible journey, this sweet but sad novel focuses on a man who's led a disappointing, unremarkable life, who one day setsThe story of a man on an impossible journey, this sweet but sad novel focuses on a man who's led a disappointing, unremarkable life, who one day sets out to do something extraordinary. Upon hearing that an old friend is dying, Harold sets out to see her -- by foot, across 500 miles of English countryside. Harold is retired, not used to exercise, and absolutely unprepared for this undertaking. But the further he goes on his quest, the more he realizes some hard truths about his life, his marriage, and his relationship with his son.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a quick-paced read, often teetering on the brink of overt sentimentality, but never quite crossing the line. The main character is well-defined and conveys a certain sorrowful dignity, even in the depths of doubt and despair. There are also moments of joy and lightness, and the balance of bitterness and happiness help make this book so readable and enjoyable.

I enjoyed this children's book by the creator of the Fables comic books series -- but I'm not sure I'd agree with its categorization as a middle gradeI enjoyed this children's book by the creator of the Fables comic books series -- but I'm not sure I'd agree with its categorization as a middle grade book, recommended for ages 10 and up. There's a straight-up adventure story here, but you can't really read it without comprehending the meta context, and that's the part that proved tiresome for my 10-year-old. I liked it a lot, but would suggest that it's more suitable for a slightly older and more experienced reader. (My review is now up on my blog.)...more